Italian Roast Espresso

[moleman]

I wasn't planning on entering a build but when I found this Italian frame I was inspired to make a vintage inspired path racer.

 

[moleman]

The first issue is that I had to order an Italian threaded bottom bracket. And at $30 it was 3 times the amount I spent on the frame. I did find in my stash a period looking crankset that I took the outer ring and guard off.

The handlebar, stem and front brake all came from my stash as well.

 

[moleman]

I have a set of 27" fixed gear wheels, all I need are tires and tubes.

 

[Ulu]

Part of what I enjoy about these builds is the design development. You don’t just start out with the bike. You start with an idea, and try to make it work out, with whatever you can.

 

[OddJob]

Welcome to the Triple Threat BO! Cool start you've got going.

RaT oN~!

 

[moleman]

Update time! Got a shipment of parts, tubes, seat collar, and chain ring guard.

and put on the bike

found some pedals I liked in my stash (no really!)

and cabled up the brake.

Then took it for a test ride!

It rides real smooth. I had to tighten everything when I got back. This will share pride of place in my stable.
Next up, more stylish grips, maybe a leather saddle? and some sort of bottle cage. There are no braze-on's on the frame so I'm thinking of hanging the bottles off the seat or handlebars....

 

[moleman]

After dark update!
I added some leather(ish) grips and swapped out the seat for a vintage leather one, and added a bell off another bike.
Not sure I like the grips, maybe I should find some rubber grips instead.

 

[Ulu]

I like the polished lugs a lot. I was going to do this to my Centurion frame, but it was too big for my legs.

 

[OddJob]

I like the leather grips, but maybe RaT - ina them a bit?

Here are some steps to get the leather distressed, instantly.

Another technique I've used is a couple colors of acrylic paint, maybe black and a light brown, rubbed in with a rag until all the color is imbued in the leather, and then lightly sand off a couple spots, maybe the wrap edges to show wear.

 

[Tallbikeman]

It has been so long since the name Frejus has graced my memory cells. Brought back a flood of memories from the late 60's early 70's when Frejus bikes were being raced and I raced against them. Thanks for the pleasant memory jog moleman.

 

[LACABikeGuy.55]

The first issue is that I had to order an Italian threaded bottom bracket. And at $30 it was 3 times the amount I spent on the frame. I did find in my stash a period looking crankset that I took the outer ring and guard off.View attachment 216800
The handlebar, stem and front brake all came from my stash as well.
View attachment 216801View attachment 216802View attachment 216803

I really like the looks of the crank set. I would polish the heck out of it.

 

[moleman]

Well despite the excellent suggestion of "rat-ifying" the leather-ish grips, I decided to replace them with some black rubber grips. After ordering and shipping, I found some in my stash. Sigh.

I replaced the saddle again with a beat up road saddle (more comfy) and found a bracket to mount a couple of water bottle cages to it.

I'm thinking that it needs a couple more vintage touches to sell the barn find path racer vibe I'm going for.

 

[Aloisiojones]

Nice work, love the retained patina besides single speed conversion!

 

[LACABikeGuy.55]

Well despite the excellent suggestion of "rat-ifying" the leather-ish grips, I decided to replace them with some black rubber grips. After ordering and shipping, I found some in my stash. Sigh.View attachment 217599
I replaced the saddle again with a beat up road saddle (more comfy) and found a bracket to mount a couple of water bottle cages to it.View attachment 217598
I'm thinking that it needs a couple more vintage touches to sell the barn find path racer vibe I'm going for.
View attachment 217594View attachment 217595View attachment 217597

I like it and I really the chain ring/guard.

 

[Slow-Rider]

turning out to be supper cool.